2013 Jeep Wrangler Offers More Comforts, More Capabilities

The 2013 Jeep Wrangler and 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited will garner some notable upgrades for the new model year, making the off-road icon both more livable—thanks to a host of ergonomic improvements—and more drivable—courtesy of a special-edition Moab model that introduces some nifty new capability enhancers.

According to Jeep, “The goal was to make Wrangler even more enjoyable and comfortable on a daily basis from the inside out while continuing to improve its off-road ability”; according to Autobytel, that goal was achieved with flying colors.

(Note: Pricing for the 2013 Jeep Wrangler and 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, slated to arrive in dealerships next month, is not yet available.)

The 2013 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited will still be able to handle the rough stuff, of course, but the going will be a lot less rough for occupants: Engineers have deployed new seats—front and back—that provide increased comfort via enhancements like improved bolstering and a more ergonomic contour design. In addition, there’s a new release mechanism that will allow one-hand, fold-flat operation of the rear seats in the Wrangler Unlimited, boosting versatility and convenience.

The new model year also will see new interior lighting for the Wrangler family, which will benefit from courtesy illumination for the area beneath the instrument panel, as well as around the front and rear cupholders, while LED map lights have been added to the vehicle’s standard auto-dimming electro-chromatic rearview mirror.

Other improvements for the new model year:

• The soft-top for the Wrangler Unlimited has been redesigned to make it significantly easier to open and close.
• An up-level soft-top will be available for both the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, providing three layers of protection against unwanted noise and a more premium appearance.
• To do an even better job of removing dirt and dust from the front glass, new dual windshield-washer nozzles are standard across the Wrangler team.
• True Blue Pearl, Billet Silver, Rock Lobster, Commando Green, Rugged Brown and Dune have been added to the Wrangler’s palette of exterior colors.
• Premium speakers from Alpine will be available for Wrangler models with or without navigation systems.
• The optional Tire Pressure Monitor System has been enhanced to provide individual air-pressure readouts of each individual tire.

Now, you might not think the 2013 Jeep Wrangler could be any more capable than its 2012 predecessor, but it will be—at least with the new Moab package. Taking its name from the rugged environs surrounding Moab, Utah—also the site of the annual Moab Jeep Jamboree—the special edition gets standard features like Goodyear Silent Armor off-tires (with Kevlar reinforcement), 17-inch Rubicon alloy wheels (painted gloss black), Jeep’s Trak-Lok anti-spin rear differential (with available rear-locking diff), and a 45:1 crawl ratio (when configured with a manual transmission and 3.73 rear-axle ratio).

A number of appearance upgrades are in the mix as well, some of which also provide additional off-road capabilities. For example, the 2013 Jeep Wrangler Moab Edition will showcase premium rock rails, black tail-lamp guards, similarly colored front and rear off-road bumpers, and interior grab handles trimmed out in Iron Gray. Then there are the style enhancers, ranging from a Mopar power-dome hood to Jeep’s new premium soft-top to an assortment of Moab decals and badging. Capping off the extras: Premium leather seats in black or saddle.

Six exterior colors will be available for the 2013 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Moab editions: Crush, Dozer, Rock Lobster, Gecko, Black and Bright White.

The bottom line from Mike Manley, president and CEO of the Jeep brand: “The Wrangler Moab delivers rugged off-road features such as winch-ready steel bumpers, upgraded rock rails and an available rear-locker in a package that pays tribute to our most diehard Jeep enthusiasts and the off-road playground they love.”